Mongolia, Burma, Korea, Hong Kong, and Pakistan: Challenges and Perspectives

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Mongolia

Presently, Mongolia displays unacceptable safeguards over its mineral resources. Simply put, the country lacks integrity in the management of natural resources. Issues related to conflict of interests, unrestricted powers and quality of the information provided are largely noticeable. State-owned companies control mineral resources, being the largest source of revenues for the government. In fact, they influence the issuance of licenses, mineral production, and revenue collection, as well as direct costs. Given the exceptional institutional rank and high-levels of power associated with state-owned firms, they often work with limited or no oversight and accountability to the public. Consequently, the company poses a critical challenge to the management of mineral resources, and its actions could lead to a drastic, premature end. Mongolian government specifically created the state-owned company to protect its interest in vital areas of mineral deposits. It is however regrettable that no reliable information is available to demonstrate how the company operates. The state-owned company does not publish any reports on financial performance even though it has a legal duty to do so.

Transparency in the management of mineral resources by the state-owned company is possible. However, the government has failed to embrace it. The government should introduce stringent laws to ensure that checks and balances are working while oversight systems promote integrity and curbing conflict of interests and corruption in managing mineral resources. Such laws would positively transform the management of mineral resources and protect the largest source of revenues. Hence, the government can review its current laws by specifically focusing on the state-owned company to manage a mineral resource in a transparent manner.

Burma’s Challenges on its Road to Democracy

The country has experienced political tension since its independence in 1948. The assassination of General Aung San in 1947 was responsible for providing an unstable, violent history of the country. Burma ended its military rule in 2011. With about 135 ethnic groups and 100 languages, the country faces ethnic tensions alongside religious conflicts between Christians and Muslims.

Myanmar lacks modern infrastructures to facilitate economic reforms. In fact, the political situation led to trade sanctions from major world powers. Consequently, social amenities such as schools are ill-equipped to offer public services.

As the country struggles to rebuild its economy, challenges from corruption, Burma is the most corrupt country comparable to Somalia, still persists. As such, economic reforms remain irrelevant while foreign investments are only restricted to a few countries in Asia.

Burma experiences the challenge of the understaffed public sector. Throughout its history, Burma concentrated on a military rule and failed to build public institutions. Consequently, its desires to transform into a democracy and create a vibrant economy are restricted with a lack of human capital. This implies that the country suffers from poor policy formulation.

Burma is on the United Nations HRC sanction list a notorious in abuse of human rights. Cases of assassination and political prisoners are rampant. With poor institutions and a history of violence, Burma has a long way to go on its road to democracy. Nevertheless, its entry into the international community will facilitate democratization. Gradually, Burma will realize its transition efforts.

Korea

The question of what to do with a closed, unreformed dictatorial state is not easy even for its citizens. Given the poor states of human rights and the economy, it is imperative to engage North Korea through sustained criticism and heavy sanctions. Further isolation would only lead to more cases of human rights abuse and diversion of funds to support nuclear programs. Thus, engaging the North with the South taking an active role could result in improved outcomes. Sanctions should be used to remind the dictator of many positive outcomes that can result when the country initiate democratic changes. South Korea, for instance, can initiate talks and promise several opportunities for cultural, trade, and academic relations.

Korea War 2.0 perhaps is inevitable. Such a war is most likely to be costly in terms of casualties and damages. North Korea is most likely to encounter sustained resistance from South Korea. As a result, it is clear that North Korea will not realize its objectives of War 2.0. In this regard, South Korea will take specific actions to resolve the conflict. First, South Korea is most likely to march to North Korea with its military resources. Second, South Korea is most likely to initiate regime change in the North with the aim of spearheading democracy. War 2.0 would open an opportunity for the South to initiate far-reaching reforms to facilitate reunification. The role of South Korea in initiating changes and reforms in North Korea cannot be understated. It is the ultimate responsibility of South Korea and the international community to engage North Korea in reforms.

Hong Kong

The two most important aspects of the Hong Kong economy to remember

Income inequality amidst affluence in Hong Kong reflects some of the highest disparities in developed countries. For instance, about 1.3 million residents are poor and live below the poverty line. It is estimated that the annual income for an individual household is about $3,600 while $14,300 is the annual income for a four-person household. There are about 45 billionaires worth a combined $214 billion USD in Hong Kong, whereas four in every five persons earn below $50,000 USD per year. Currently, the median housing price is -> $520,000 USD compared with NY median housing -> $405,400 USD. In fact, housing and poor diets are major issues for the poor in Hong Kong. These figures are critical aspects of the country’s economic situations. Hence, the poverty rate in Hong Kong could be higher and would require sound economic reforms to control. These conditions have often led to economic and social tensions in Hong Kong.

The open market trade is also a striking aspect of the country’s economy. For the last 20 years, the Index of Economic Freedom has ranked Hong Kong as ‘freest economy in the world. The country, however, lacks many natural resources by still thrives from both global imports and exports, including re-exports. Major exports are mainly electronic products, machines, engines, pumps, gems, and other precious metals. Hong Kong enjoys large markets in China to drive its open market approach to economic development.

Pakistan

A Bleak Outlook

A combination of factors is responsible for a bleak outlook for Pakistan. First, the lack of an efficient system of healthcare and education exposes critical social issues in the country. The healthcare and education resources in Pakistan are plagued numerous, including structural deficit and fragmentation, poor resource allocation and scarcity, gender insensitivity, widespread inefficiency, poor utilization, and accessibility. In addition, the country’s shaky economic condition, riddled with foreign debts and declining productivity as well as spiraling poverty have all contributed to the poor state of healthcare and education systems. These conditions, on the other hand, show the need for Pakistan to focus on health and education reforms. At the same time, they also display complex interplay of social issues in Pakistan and the task required.

An old agriculture-based economy cannot provide the country with developing opportunities it requires. Agriculture remains the major economic activity in Pakistan, but the evolution of the sector faces critical challenges. In recent, yield per acre has declined because of declining cultivable land, salinity, and waterlogging. Further, poor investments in the sector, fluctuating market prices, limited access to finance, terrorism, and political instability among another myriad of issues continue to make the country’s outlook to remain bleak.

Military representatives rule Pakistan. This situation has led to political instability, which has affected investments and developments across all sectors of the economy and led to other social challenges. Unfortunately, there is no near term solution to this situation. The political unrest has deterred investment and led to Pakistanis bleak future.

Singapore

Strict Rule

Lee Kuan Yew believed in strict, harsh laws to ensure the survival of its country after it broke away from the wider Malaysia. Yew believed that the rule of law and incorruptible government were the keys to grow its economy. In fact, Yew ensured that all politicians from the ruling party dressed in white to demonstrate that they were incorruptible.

Yew focused on physically clean cities, introduced laws to curb public spending and holidays, and retained some elements of the British legal system, specifically detention without trial, court review, and contempt of court. Through strict land laws, Singapore is now a home of modern skyscrapers. Stiff punishments for individuals involved in vandalism and drug crimes have differentiated Singapore from its neighbors.

Singapore’s policies mainly stress the importance of the rule of law as the country sought for stability and security. Only a sound legal system could deliver such a belief. The strict rule of laws has attracted many foreign investors to Singapore.

Businesses have been able to thrive in Singapore because of strict rules while the country has become among the easiest destinations to run business globally. At the same time, Singapore is among the top ten least corrupt countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index.

However, Singapore’s strict rules have curtailed media freedom while judiciary independence is rated poorly compared to other countries such as Hong Kong. Opponents of the government are met with police brutality while defamation suits are known to leave opponents bankrupt. Strict rules have restricted freedom of speech.

Philippines

The US Occupation

Unlike other colonialists such as the Dutch and British in India, the US in the Philippines opted for a different mission. First, the US sought to end the oppressive Spanish rule and free Filipinos. The US had always regarded Spanish as an undemocratic and oppressive regime. Consequently, they led a revolution that ended the Spanish rule and focused on imperialism that fostered democracy rather than total control over the Philippines.

The US also sought to spread democracy through social programs using its massive wealth, political and military controls. Specifically, the US believed that it was its vital mission to expand and spread democracy in weaker states while protecting them from oppression. The US used the platform of democracy do differentiate its imperialism from other colonialists such as Dutch and Britain. The US did not fully control the Philippines but focused on developing institutions that would foster freedom and economic development. Social programs such as political assistance and sponsoring of elections were used to strengthen Philippines’ democratic institutions by focusing on fragile, experienced elements of Philippines’ institutions.

A difference is also noted when the US successfully kept its promise to grant Filipino independence in 1946. The US expansionism gave way to the independent Philippines. These developments in the country showed that the US was committed to promoting democracy, stability, and positive initiatives in the Philippines since 1901. By granting the country its independence, the US reflected its desire of not being a colonialist but rather a partner and a promoter of democracy in weak fragile countries.

Taiwan

A Reunion between Taiwan and China

It is most unlikely that Taiwan and China would reunite. In fact, after 50 years of occupation and long KMT rule, Taiwanese have now turned their attention of self-determination, and they urge the international communities, including the US to acknowledge independent Taiwan. In addition, many leaders have increasingly expressed their desires for autonomy and finally independence.

Obviously, China and Taiwan are most likely not to engage in talks in the near future. Previous leaders had held the KMT position with the focus on possible unification based on a national banner. However, these views have changed in the recent past as more Taiwanese express their opinions toward an independent Taiwan. It is imperative to note that China and Taiwan can only engage each other in economic development. Taiwan leadership believes in sovereignty and, therefore, it would not trade for any reason, including economic relations. Apart from trade agreements, Taiwan is most likely to insist on its democracy and protection of its autonomy. Thus, the unification discussion will not happen in the near future.

A possible unification would lead to the loss of human rights and democracy that Taiwan has promoted ever since. Taiwan has thrived so much because it respects human rights, something that is largely missing in China. In fact, the economic growth in Taiwan has been attributed to its democracy. Taiwan uses democracy to support wealth creation based on the recognition of individuals, their rights, respect, and dignity. Taiwan has made it clear that it is not ready to lose its freedom through unification.

Bangladesh

Central Issue: Lack of Development

Lack of development in Bangladesh is largely attributed to weak governance alongside structural issues. Since independence in 1975, the country has been in a crisis with a weak economy while others feared that it might slip back into lawlessness.

Natural disasters have also affected the development of Bangladesh. Major rivers are known to cause havoc through widespread flooding, and it is globally recognized in most campaigns conducted by global non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Corruption and a highly centralized government have also hampered growth. Bangladesh is always at the bottom of Transparency International ranking of most corrupt countries. Although the country is a democracy, the government has often used its power to reign on the opposition in a manner that far exceeds the expected political rivalry.

One must always acknowledge the role of NGOs in promoting developments in Bangladesh. The government has accepted its unwillingness and inability to offer basic services. Consequently, it has allowed global NGOs to run their affairs without interference. As such, Bangladesh can boast of achieving some MDGs.

NGOs in Bangladesh are responsible for offering basic services such as microfinance, education, and health. Grameen Bank, for instance, has become a model for other impoverished nations in the world. These not-for-profit organizations in Bangladesh have turned their attention to service delivery rather than social mobilization to remain sustainable and run cost-effective operations.

Today, some of these NGOs focus on pushing the government to take care of its responsibilities.

Thailand

How Thailand escaped colonization and the results

Anticipated Interaction

Thailand had expected possible interaction with colonialists. Consequently, it decided to act as a buffer between the Brit and French who pursued their interests across South-East Asia. Thailand rulers consolidated their rule in the same way as colonizers.

Sacrificed Territories

The rulers formed an alliance with the British and entered into a deal with French. At the same time, the ruler traded a section of the land for the British to ensure peace across the territories.

Self-revolution and control of Europeanization

The ruler initiated some measures to map its borders, strengthen internal processes while cementing power to portray legitimate autonomy, which made it difficult for colonialists to conquer the country.

Unifying sense of Independence

Once the rulers noted a possible control by colonialists, they started to map the territory to the created united country with a centralized form of government. Hence, they had superior bargaining power relative to other colonized hospitals.

Results

Advanced economy

Thailand was able to develop its economy because colonialists did not plunder its natural resources. Today, Thailand is among the major economic forces in South-East Asia.

Large Presence in International Trade and Relations

Given the advanced economy, Thailand can now engage actively in the international markets, strike bilateral and multilateral deals with global trade partners.

Avoided War Damages

Treaties and negotiations allowed Thailand to avoid the use of force and war on its border.

Internal Instability

The absence of external aggressors left the Thai government to shift its attention to internal enemies and thus causing internal instability.

Nepal

One of the poorest countries in the world

It is noted that Nepal offers some of the poorest healthcare services to its people. High rates of disease prevalence are common, particularly in rural Nepal. Healthcare infrastructures are dilapidated, sanitation, hygiene, and nutrition are poor. In addition, not many people can gain access to healthcare services in Nepal while government spending remains extremely low.

The government has failed to make a fundamental investment in education. Consequently, Nepal is ranked among the poorest country in terms of education in the Asian-Pacific region. The available education provided by the government is of poor quality, whereas girls’ education is hardly considered. Education in Nepal also experiences inequality, disparity, and inequality at high rates.

Government corruption in Nepal is so widespread at all levels and agencies. Corruption has become a defining feature of the country. In fact, Nepal is now looting aid while NGOs are required to part with a significant amount – up to 50% as ‘commission’ for corrupt officials.

Despite its poorest states, Nepal is grappling with negative impacts of civil war as nearly all cases of atrocities go unpunished.

These myriads of challenges when combined become more intricate for Nepal to overcome. They point toward the required inputs and the role the government should play to overcome poverty.

Laos

Problems facing economic growth

The country runs on incoherent laws and regulations leading to inefficiency in a system that utterly lacks transparency. Laos government corruption is out of control and widespread. Looting, fraud, illegal mining, and logging are conducted by the military while state officers are responsible for failure to collect taxes as the public discontent continues to rise. At the same time, one cannot expect much assistance from the inefficient judicial system.

Erratic laws and regulations are responsible for the lack of mobility in the labor market. At the same time, Laos hinders any potential developments in the labor market because of stringent rules that focus on maximizing revenues from investors.

Tariffs are higher in Laos while the government has imposed some taxes collected through import licensing. In addition, it is not simple for foreign-based firms to get entry into the country. They must expect several regulatory challenges, as well as grand corruption.

Laos has failed to develop robust financial institutions. The ruling elites often influence these institutions. Besides, Laos has set up three state-owned financial institutions, which influence the banking industry while Laos’ government dominates credit affairs. These factors have affected monetary stability in Laos. The government has often used its firms to influence prices, while it adopts some restrictive practices to influence tariffs. The state-owned banks have been used to restrict innovations in the local market while new financial institutions must be given some outrageous tariffs.

Laos is yet to adopt flexible regulations to promote changes in the labor market because of imposed restrictions on normal rights and freedom. Laos can hardly participate in the regional labor market because majorities are mainly subsistence farmers.

The country continues to make some changes to improve its economic rankings. For instance, it managed to join the World Trade Organization the year 2013.

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